Paralympic cycling: 'Yes I've lost an arm, but I've got another one and I'm still alive'

Jon-Allan Butterworth, former RAF weapons technician, turned to cycling after his military career was ended by a rocket attack on Basra Air Station in Iraq (Getty Images)

Jon-Allan Butterworth is focussed not on his turbulent last few years, but on winning. The former RAF weapons technician turned to cycling three years ago after his military career was ended by a rocket attack on Basra Air Station in Iraq.

Butterworth lost his left arm, but he now finds himself contesting five gold medals as part of a British squad that could dominate the velodrome for the second time this summer. "Yes I've lost an arm, but I've got another one and I am still alive," said the 26-year-old from Sutton Coldfield.

One element of life of an elite athlete does trouble him, however. "Drink has been one of my main sacrifices. Coming from a military background, it's no secret we play hard as well," he said. Roll on Paralympic glory, so that the celebrating can begin.